Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Ray.
Hi Emma, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m originally from New Orleans, LA, but I spent most of my school-aged years in the St. Louis metro area. I went to SIUE for college, graduating with a degree in Geography and a focus on Geographic Information Systems (computer-based cartography). After graduating, I worked professionally as a GIS Analyst in Portland, Oregon, for six years. I became increasingly unfulfilled in my career and decided to leave the field in July 2021. I then returned to the Midwest by November of that same year. When I moved back, I did odd jobs here and there to get by while trying to figure out my next career move. The idea of permanent makeup originally hit me in 2020, but I abandoned it after researching Oregon’s rigid and very expensive licensing process. I revisited the idea of pursuing permanent makeup again in early 2022.
At the beginning of my career, I traveled to Los Angeles to briefly study under a talented brow artist I had looked up to online for several years. After that trip, I was offered a tattoo apprenticeship at a St. Louis studio. I completed my apprenticeship in October 2022 and decided to open my private studio by November.
I’ve been completely obsessed with the cosmetics industry since a very young age. I constantly played around with whatever I could get, drug store makeup purchased with couch cushion change, my mom’s makeup bags (sorry, mom), etc. Then fast forward a few years when I became old enough to get my first tattoo. Collecting tattoos quickly became another obsession of mine. I love being around creative people like tattoo artists and finding new and inspirational artists to follow online and connect with. I think combining makeup, tattooing, and in a way, “mapping” makes so much sense for me career-wise. I’m excited to see what the future brings.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Tattooing is never a smooth road, and it’s been a lot more challenging than I initially expected. When I first got into it, I was fresh out of the corporate world and didn’t have any creative portfolio to use to sell myself. Because of that, I felt like I had to hustle to find artists willing to work with me. I used whatever savings I had to make that initial trip to LA to take a powder brow class, then used what was left to help secure an apprenticeship here in St. Louis. Anyone who’s ever apprenticed will know it’s not easy to take on. You have to push yourself to practice around the clock. You also have to work for free a lot to help build your portfolio. I think displaying a certain level of knowledge regarding makeup application helped me a lot in starting. But I’ll admit that makeup artistry and permanent cosmetics are different. Makeup washes off at the end of the day, but tattoos don’t. So, you must be comfortable with your color theory, needles, hand movements, sanitation methods, etc.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a tattoo artist who specializes in permanent cosmetics. I offer three different styles of permanent brows, lip blushing, scar camouflage, faux freckles, teeth whitening, tooth gems, and tattoo removal. I plan to expand my services to eyeliner and areola restoration shortly. I think I’m most proud of my drive and resiliency, honestly. I left a career that I was miserable in and decided to pursue something completely new despite what people around me were telling me. I put all my time and energy into learning new skills, which paid off in the end; I now have a wonderful client base and own my own business. I love getting to do what I do every day. I love making people feel more comfortable and confident in their skin.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check?
Entrepreneurs and artists would benefit from two great resources: the Mantra app and Seth Godin’s book ‘The Icarus Deception.’ The Mantra app helps to keep you thinking positively throughout the day by making you take a few moments to pause and read short affirmations. I’ve learned in my short time as an entrepreneur that mindset is everything. You really can achieve your goals when you have the right mindset. The Icarus Deception is a great read because the author reminds us that listening to experts and playing it safe isn’t the only way to live. He explains that being creative is a brave and vulnerable thing and that we should be more open to it no matter our job title.
Contact Info:
- Website: atlastattoo.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/atlastattooalton
- Facebook: facebook.com/atlastattooalton
Image Credits
Personal photo was taken and edited by Danny Robinson of Pink Studio @feelsgoodletsgo
